Let our local experts guide you through a handpicked selection of things to do on a private tour. Think hidden gems, insider stories, and all the local vibes. Ready to find your private tour of Kyoto? Your adventure-packed day is just one click away!
Top 5 tours in Kyoto
Make your stay in Kyoto complete with these things to do
1
Choose your favorite local
The 10 Tastings of Kyoto: Street Food
553 reviews
3 hours | food tours | Kyoto
Ready to taste the best food in Kyoto? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Kyoto.
Welcome to Kyoto! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to Kyoto to start your city trip on the right foot.
Ready for a jam-packed tour, full of history, culture, stories, and sights? Checkmark from your travel bucket list all your must-sees of Kyoto, because if there’s a Withlocals tour that shows you all the city's ins and outs, it’s this complete and personalized tour of Kyoto.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring Kyoto on a bike tour with a local. Cover more ground, take scenic routes, and cycle through main spots like the Philosopher's path and Gion Area. Take in the views as you bike through the city in a safe and fun way, and hear fascinating stories at every stop along the way!
Want to see the best of Kyoto? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Kyoto!
"Guia is so warm and friendly and has immense knowledge of food history and culture. We had a great time walking the market stalls with her and talking about life in the different places we’ve lived. She took some great photos of us as well enjoying the food, and seemed to know all the vendors personally! We got pretty fantastic bites to try that was catered to each of my family members tastes and preferences. Overall, I’ve been on food tours on nearly every continent, and this one ranks as one of the best because of its diverse foods, cultural beauty, excellent conversations with our guide, and opportunity to buy a few extra things with her expertise. Book this, you won’t regret it. "
"Yoshihiro (Ted) changed our meeting point closer to our hotel which was very kind. We learnt a lot about how to get around and some local history in our 1.5hr tour. Ted even went out of his way to get us to the markets at the end of our tour. A friendly local guide. "
MaryAnneAbout local YoshihiroKyoto, January 12, 2025
5.0
A must do a Kyoto!
"We had an amazing experience with Ted as our guide exploring the unique street food scene in Kyoto. His knowledge of the local cuisine and culture added so much depth to the tour. Ted was not only interesting and engaging but also incredibly patient, ensuring everyone in our group felt included and comfortable. His passion for Kyoto’s food and history truly shone through, making this a memorable experience. Highly recommend Ted for anyone looking to explore Kyoto in a fun, flavourful, and informative way! He has also been soo great at helping us find restaurants while we are here in the city."
"We loved our tour with Guia. She showed us the main shrine and the surrounding markets and explained the role of geisha and the training involved. Whilst we didn’t see any geisha on their day off, she provided us with the details for a geisha performance and also arranged for us to attend a tea ceremony. Would definitely use her again, if we’re in Kyoto again"
"My family of ten with wide ranging tastes and age group had a great time learning about the best local food in Kyoto. We would not have been able to find and enjoy the experience without Eiji's guidance. He was extremely patient and kind with our requests. We had a great time and experience tasting all the interesting and delicious 'best of Kyoto' food! Highly recommended."
"We had the pleasure of joining a guided tour in Kyoto with Guia, and it was an unforgettable experience. Guia was incredibly friendly, funny, and entertaining, making us feel comfortable and engaged from the start.
Her deep knowledge of Kyoto’s rich history and culture was impressive, and she shared it in a way that was both informative and captivating. She took us to the most beautiful and iconic spots in the city, as well as a few hidden gems we would have never discovered on our own.
The time flew by, and by the end of the tour, we all felt like we had not only learned a lot but also gained a genuine appreciation for Kyoto. If you’re looking for an amazing guide who can bring the city to life, Guia is the one to choose. Highly recommended!"
"We had a great time touring Kyoto with Guia. We enjoyed her stories and she was great with my three kids. We enjoyed seeing some of the less crowded areas of Kyoto, and the kids had fun learning how to walk like ninjas. Her tour was accessible and leisurely paced - we took the stairs up to the temple, but there was a van available or a less steep path."
"We were a family of 5 and booked both a Hidden Gems and Food Tour with Yoshihiro (Ted) in December.
Ted’s knowledge and engaging stories meant that both our tours were unique, fun, different to the run-of-the-mill guides and entertaining!
We would absolutely recommend Ted as a guide for any Kyoto visitor "
SamanthaAbout local YoshihiroKyoto, December 27, 2024
5.0
Like being with a friend
"Guia was wonderful, helping us orient ourselves on our first day. She adapted instantly to our interests, telling us cultural and historical information. As we walked through the market, she pointed out the best foods and products. It was like visiting a friend who lives in a foreign city—comfortable and warm. Thank you!"
"We are a family of five from Chicago and really enjoyed our experience with Shohei's guidance. He is curious and knowledgeable and able to answer questions in a creative and thorough way. He clearly loves Kyoto and we would highly recommend"
Private & Personalized Tours in Kyoto with a Local
When you hit the road and land in a new city like Kyoto, there's an exciting way to dive into its soul: personalized local tours. Forget the typical touristy routes – these tours are like having a local friend show you around all the cool spots.
Imagine having someone who lives and breathes Kyoto spill its secrets. That's what local guides bring to the table. They know the hidden alleys, the best bites, and stories that never made it to the guidebooks. Whether you're into munching through food tours, wandering the city's streets, or going off the beaten path, a local guide hooks you up with a private tour that's authentically Kyoto.
The best part? These tours are all about you. No herding in big groups or rushing through places you're not interested in. With private tours, you're the boss. Whether it's snapping pics at iconic landmarks, diving into history, or checking out the art scene, the tour is tuned to your vibes at your tempo.
But it doesn't stop at city limits. Day trips let you escape the urban jungle and explore nearby wonders. And if you're just setting foot in Kyoto, kickstart tours give you a taste of everything. Think of it as a crash course in Kyoto awesomeness, guided by a local who knows the city like the back of their hand.
So, next time you're in Kyoto, ditch the ordinary. Grab a local tour and unlock the city's real magic – the stories, flavors, and places that make it uniquely Kyoto. Get ready to explore like a local!